Golf accessory accenting system

ABSTRACT

A golf accessory accenting system utilizes one or more accent groups to coordinate golf accessories with a user&#39;s outfit. Each accent group include a plurality of replaceable accent pieces that may be coordinated for use on or with one or more golf accessory, including a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, one or more equipment storage bags, and the like, to accent, customize and coordinate a golfer&#39;s outfit and full ensemble based on color, pattern, style, texture, or the like. Accent pieces may be swatches, strips or bands of ribbon or fabric cut and sized to be added to a golf accessory as an accent of color, style or texture, and removably fastened thereto by means of fasteners so that they can be easily removed, replaced, and mixed-and-matched as desired.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/435,574, filed Jan. 24, 2011, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an accessory accenting systemfor golfers, and more particularly to a system specifically directed toa female golfer for coordinating her golf accessories with her golfoutfit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the concerns of golfers who desire tohave their golf accessories complement their golfwear. Golfers commonlyhave numerous accessories that they wear or use during and after a roundof golf. Such accessories include a golf hat (such as a golf visor or abaseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golftowel, and one or more equipment storage bags. Often, the sameaccessories are used for every round of golf, even though the golfer'soutfit may change. If one wanted to coordinate her accessories with heroutfit, she would need to purchase an additional set of accessories,such as another pair of golf shoes, and an extra hat, golf glove, belt,golf bag, golf towel, and equipment storage bags to particularly matchor complement each outfit. For several golf outfits, one would need tobuy many sets of accessories, which can be very expensive.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a system whereby a golfercan easily alter her golf accessories and equipment to coordinate withher golf outfit(s) without requiring said golfer to purchase newaccessories or equipment for each outfit. Further, there is a generalneed for a system whereby a golfer can accent her golf accessories in acustomized manner to as to provide both her outfit and her golfaccessories with some color, style and texture. Accordingly, it is ageneral object of the present invention to provide a system wherebyreplaceable accent pieces are used on one or more golf accessories,including a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golfglove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, and one or moreequipment storage bags, and whereby such accent pieces can be easilyremoved and replaced as desired. Moreover, it is a general object of thepresent invention to have a system wherein removal and replacement ofsaid accent pieces does not affect the structure or functionality of thegolf accessories with which they are used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a golfaccessory accenting system is provided. As disclosed herein, replaceableaccent pieces are provided and coordinated for use on or with one ormore golf accessory, including a golf hat (such as a golf visor or abaseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golftowel, and one or more equipment storage bags, to coordinate with thegolfer's outfit based on color, pattern, style, texture, or the like. Inaccordance with the present invention, the accent pieces can be easilyremoved and replaced as desired.

In a first aspect of the present invention, an accessory accentingsystem comprises an accent group, comprising a plurality of accentpieces each associated with a respective golf accessory, including anyof a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove, abelt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, and one or more equipmentstorage bags. The accent pieces in a single accent group all preferablyutilize a consistent design scheme, comprising a common color, pattern,style, texture, and the like, that can be coordinated with a golfer'sgolf outfit. In accordance with the present invention, a golfer may haveseveral accent groups, each utilizing its own consistent design scheme,to provide the golfer the ability to accent her golf accessories in avariety of ways, to coordinate her golf accessories with each other invarious combinations, and to coordinate her golf accessories with avariety of different golf outfits.

In preferred embodiments, the accent pieces comprise swatches, strips orbands of ribbon or fabric cut and sized to be added to a respective golfaccessory to provide an accent of color, style or texture, and which mayfurther be designed to be removably fastened to a golf accessory bymeans of fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners,zippers, clasps, carabiners, buckles, laces, and the like. Accordingly,a golfer can easily change out an accent group before a round of golf tomatch and accessorize her full golf ensemble for that round. The accentpieces can then be easily removed from the golf accessories after around, replaced with another accent group, and cleaned as needed.

A feature of the accenting system in accordance with the presentinvention is that a golfer does not need to buy extra golf accessories(for example, additional pairs of golf shoes) in order to have a fullycoordinated golf outfit for each round of golf. For example, the golferonly needs a single belt buckle portion in accordance with the presentinvention, and change the accenting strap portion as desired with anaccent piece that coordinates with or complements her outfit. Likewise,the golfer only needs a single golf hat, and can change the accent colorand design displayed on the crown or bill of the hat without needing tobreak-in or resize a new hat. Similarly, the golfer can continue to usea golf glove that fits to and has been broken in to her hand withouthaving to worry about whether the glove contrasts or clashes with hergolf outfit or other accessories. In this manner, the golfer can beconsistently accented and coordinated from head to toe and furthercoordinated with her golf equipment for each round of golf.

Another feature of the accenting system in accordance with the presentinvention is that a golfer has control over which accent pieces arechanged out, and thus can be selective as to how her golf accessoriesare coordinated. In this manner, the golfer can cross-coordinate accentpieces from multiple accent groups based on color, pattern, style,texture and the like so that complementary accent pieces from two ormore accent groups can be used in various combinations to accent agolfer's equipment and outfit.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece comprises a golf hat, such as a golf visor or abaseball cap, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a swatch,strip or band of fabric attached to at least one of the bill, crown orclosure means of the hat by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons,hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece comprises a golf glove, wherein the replaceableaccent piece comprises a decorative and/or ruffled trim attached to thegolf glove by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loopfasteners, zippers, and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece comprises a golf belt in the form of a beltbuckle portion, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a beltstrap attached to the belt buckle portion by fastener means, such assnaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece comprises golf shoes, wherein the replaceableaccent piece comprises at least one of shoe laces or kilties (i.e., anadd-on feature designed to cover the shoe laces).

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece comprises a golf bag, or other equipmentstorage bags, such as a tote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe storagebags, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a decorative and/orruffled swatch, strip or band of fabric attached around an opening ofthe bag by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loopfasteners, zippers, and the like, or a carrying strap (or a portionthereof) for the bag attached to the bag by fastener means such assnaps, buttons, clasps, carabiners, buckles, and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece comprises a golf towel, wherein the replaceableaccent piece comprises a strap connected between the towel and a golfbag wherein the strap may be attached to the golf towel and/or the golfbag by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners,clasps, carabiners, buckles, and the like, and may additionally oralternatively be design to be looped around a ring provided on the golftowel and/or the golf bag and connect to itself by fastener means, suchas snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, and the like.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent in light of the detailed description ofembodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying images anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a group of golf accessories coordinated with anaccent group in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first accent group in accordance with the presentinvention for coordinating and accenting the group of accessories shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second accent group in accordance with the presentinvention for coordinating and accenting the group of accessories shownin FIG. 1 as a change from the first accent group of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a golf visor having an accent band in accordance withthe accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the golf visor of FIG. 4 with the accent bandremoved.

FIG. 6 illustrates the golf visor of FIG. 4 with the accent bandpartially removed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a golf glove having an accent ruffle in accordancewith the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the golf glove of FIG. 7 with the accent ruffleremoved.

FIG. 9 illustrates the golf glove of FIG. 7 with the accent rufflepartially removed.

FIG. 10 illustrates a belt having an accent strap portion in accordancewith the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates the belt of FIG. 10 with the accent strap portionremoved from a belt buckle portion of the belt.

FIG. 12 illustrates the belt buckle portion of the belt of FIG. 10 withthe accent strap portion removed.

FIG. 13 partially illustrates the belt of FIG. 10 with one end of theaccent strap portion partially attached to the belt buckle portion.

FIG. 14 partially illustrates the belt of FIG. 10 with one end of theaccent strap portion partially attached to the belt buckle portion.

FIG. 15 illustrates a golf shoe having an accent kiltie in accordancewith the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a golf bag having a first accent carrying strapattached to the golf bag in accordance with the accessory accentingsystem of the present invention and a second loose accent carryingstrap, where the first accent carrying strap can be replaced by thesecond accent carrying strap in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a tote bag having a first set of accent strapsattached to the tote bag in accordance with the accessory accentingsystem of the present invention and a second set of loose accent straps,where the first set of accent straps can be replaced by the second setof accent straps in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a golf shoe bag having an accent trim piece attachedto an opening of the bag in accordance with the accessory accentingsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates the golf shoe bag of FIG. 18 with the accent trimpiece partially removed from the bag.

FIG. 20 illustrates a golf towel having a first accent strap attached tothe towel in accordance with the accessory accenting system of thepresent invention and a second accent strap, where the first accentstrap can be replaced by the second accent strap in accordance with thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf accessory accenting system,whereby a group of golf accessories 10 can be accented and coordinatedby means of various accent groups 20 in order to customize, match andcomplement a golfer's ensemble as desired. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, agroup of golf accessories 10 accented and coordinated by means ofmultiple accent groups 20 in accordance with the present invention isshown. In accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, a golfer can accent a number of commonly used golfaccessories 10, such as a golf hat 10A (including a golf visor or abaseball cap), a golf glove 10B, a belt 10C, golf shoes 10D, a golf bag10E, a golf towel 10F, and one or more equipment storage bags 10G(including, for example, a tote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe storagebags), to coordinate with her golf outfit. As disclosed herein, eachaccent group 20 comprises a plurality of replaceable accent pieces 30,each of which may be used with a respective golf accessory 10 to accentthat accessory and coordinate it with the golfer's outfit and otheraccessories 10 based on color, pattern, style, texture, or the like.When more than one replaceable accent piece 30 is used, each with arespective golf accessory 10, the golfer can customize her accessoriesand equipment with her outfit to create a fully coordinated golfensemble. In further accordance with the present invention, the accentpieces 30 can be easily removed and replaced as desired, so that thegolfer can change accent pieces 30 to keep her accessories and equipmentcoordinated with her golf outfit from round to round.

Referring to FIG. 1, a golf visor 10A, a golf glove 10B, a belt 10C, andgolf shoes 10D (one shown) are illustrated as exemplary golf accessories10 that a golfer may wish to accent and coordinate with each other and agolf outfit for a round of golf. As noted above, these accessories 10are just some of the accessories a golfer commonly uses during a roundof golf. Additional accessories 10, such as a golf bag 10E, golf towel10F, and one or more additional equipment storage bags 10G (including atote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe storage bags), are also commonlyused during and after a round of golf, and the golf accessory accentingsystem of the present invention may be used on all or any combination ofsuch accessories 10 without departing from the spirit and principles ofthe present invention.

In general, a golfer can accent and coordinate multiple accessories 10from the examples provided above using accent groups 20 of replaceableaccent pieces 30 correlating to respective accessories 10, such asillustrated in FIGS. 2-3, wherein each accent group 20 utilizes aconsistent design scheme, comprising a common color, pattern, style,texture, and the like. A first accent group 20 ₁, as shown in FIG. 2,comprises swatches, strips, or bands of fabric, such as ribbon and/orleather, cut and sized to be removably fastened to respective golfaccessories 10 by means of fasteners 40, such as snaps, buttons,hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, clasps, carabiners, buckles, laces,and the like. Specifically, the accent pieces 30 ₁ for the first accentgroup 20 ₁, as shown, comprise a detachable band 30A₁ for the golf visor10A, as further shown in FIGS. 4-6 and discussed in more detail below, adecorative ribbon ruffle or trim piece 30B₁ for the golf glove 10B, asfurther shown in FIGS. 7-9 and discussed in more detail below, aremovable strap portion 30C₁ for the belt 10C, as further shown in FIGS.10-14 and discussed in more detail below, and kilties 30D₁ (i.e., anadd-on feature designed to cover the shoe laces) for the golf shoes 10D,as further shown in FIG. 15 and discussed in more detail below. Again,any accent group 20 in accordance with the present invention may includeadditional accent pieces designed to accent additional golf accessories10, such as a golf bag 10E, a golf towel 10F, and one or more equipmentstorage bags 10G, as further illustrated in FIGS. 16-20 and discussed inmore detail below.

A second accent group 20 ₂, as shown in FIG. 3, can be used by a golferto replace all or part of the first accent group 20 ₁ in order for thegolfer to more particularly coordinate her accessories 10 with adifferent golf outfit. As illustrated, the second accent group 20 ₂comprises a second detachable band 30A₂ for the golf visor 10A, a seconddecorative ribbon ruffle 30B₂ for the golf glove 10B, and a secondremovable strap portion 30C₂ for the belt 10C. Though not shown for thesecond accent group 20 ₂, a second set of kilties may also be includedfor the golf shoes 10D, as well as a second set of accent piecesassociated with additional golf accessories, such as a golf bag 10E, agolf towel 10F, and one or more equipment storage bags 10G.

In general, each accent group 20 may comprise all of some of the accentpieces 30 for each of the golf accessories 10. Moreover, the golfer neednot change all of the accent pieces together for each round; forexample, a single set of kilties 30D may be used on the golfer's shoes10D with different accent groups. Ideally, a golfer will have multipleaccent groups 20 so as to have the capacity to coordinate with a varietyof golf outfits, regardless of color, design, style or texture. Indeed,a golfer could customize her outfits by accenting her accessories 10 ina mix-and-match fashion using accent pieces 30 from two or morecomplementary accent groups 20.

The accent pieces 30 in a single accent group 20 all preferably utilizea consistent design scheme, comprising a color, pattern, style, texture,and the like, that can be coordinated with a golfer's golf outfit.Accordingly, a golfer may have several accent groups 20 to cover avariety of golf outfits. In accordance with the present invention, wherea golfer has several accent groups 20, each accent group 20 utilizes itsown consistent design scheme, to provide the golfer the ability toaccent her golf accessories 10 in a variety of ways, to coordinate hergolf accessories 10 with each other in various combinations, and tocoordinate her golf accessories 10 with a variety of golf outfits.Accordingly, a golfer can easily change out an accent group 20 before around of golf to match and accessorize with a particular golf outfit.Each accent group 20 can be easily removed from the golf accessories 10after a round, replaced with another accent group, and cleaned asneeded. Thus, the golfer can customize her look, from head to toe, foreach round of golf without needing to buy extra golf accessories (forexample, additional hats, belts, golf gloves, and pairs of golf shoes)in order to have a fully coordinated golf outfit for each round of golf.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf hat 10A, such as a golfvisor or a baseball cap, wherein the replaceable accent piece 30comprises a swatch, strip or band of fabric 30A attached to at least oneof the bill 50, crown 52 or closure means 54 of the hat 10A by fastenermeans 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers,buckles and the like. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a golf visor 10A having aremovable accent band 30A is shown. The illustrated accent band 30Acomprises a strip of fabric and a plurality of fasteners 40 provided onthe backside of the strip. In the embodiment shown, the fabric strip 30Acomprises a decorative ribbon portion 56 mixed with a decorative leatherportion 58, though other styles and textures can be used. As shown, thefasteners comprise snaps 40, with a portion of the snaps (e.g., a femalesnap portion 40 a) being provided on the back of the accent band 30A anda complementary portion of the snaps (e.g., a male snap portion 40 b)being provided on the crown 52 of the visor 10A, as shown in FIGS. 5 and6. Thus, the golfer can attach the accent band 30A to the visor 10Abefore a round of golf. The next time a golfer wants to wear the visor10A for a round of golf, the golfer can easily unsnap and remove theaccent band 30A, and replace it with another accent band that moreclosely matches and coordinates with the golfer's new outfit.

Though FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a replaceable accent piece 30A beingremovably attached to a golf visor 10A, such an accent piece 30A mayalso be used on a baseball cap, or other types of hats commonly used fora round of golf. Further, though the accent piece 30 is illustrated asbeing attached to the crown 52 of the visor 10A, an accent piece 30 mayalternatively, or additionally, be removably attached to other portionsof the hat 10A for accenting effect, such as the bill or brim 50 of thehat, or the closure means 54 of the hat—i.e., the back portion of anadjustable hat that allows adjustment of the size of the hat via knownadjustment means, such as plastic snaps, hook and loop fasteners, slidebuckles, and locking buckles. Additionally, though snaps 40 areillustrated for attaching the accent piece 30A to the hat 10A, any typeof fastener known in the art may be used to attach the accent band tothe golf visor, including buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers,buckles, and the like, without departing from the spirit and principlesof the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf glove 10B, wherein thereplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a decorative and/or ruffled trimpiece 30B attached to the golf glove 10B by fastener means 40, such assnaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like.Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a golf glove 10B having a removable accentruffle 30B is shown. The illustrated accent ruffle 30B comprises a stripof fabric, preferably a decorative ribbon that matches the other accentpieces in the common accent group 20.

As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the accent ruffle 30B includes a hook-and-loopstrip 40 a with a complementary strip 40 b being included on the insideof the golf glove 10B. Thus, the golfer can attach and remove the accentruffle 30B to the golf glove 10B as desired. Moreover, the golfer canreplace the accent ruffle 30B with another accent ruffle or other trimpiece where it is desirable to do so in order to match the golf glove10B with the golfer's outfit. Though hook-and-loop fastener means 40 aand 40 b are illustrated, any type of fastener known in the art may beused to attach the accent ruffle 30B to the golf glove 10B, includingsnaps, buttons, a zipper, and the like, without departing from thespirit and principles of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf belt 10C, wherein thereplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a belt strap 30C attached to abelt buckle portion 60 by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons,hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles and the like. Referring toFIGS. 10-14, a removable accent strap portion 30C attached to a beltbuckle portion 60 is shown. The illustrated accent strap portion 30Ccomprises a strip of fabric, preferably a decorative ribbon that matchesthe other accent pieces in the common accent group 20.

As shown in FIG. 12, the belt buckle portion 60 comprises two separateparts 60 a and 60 b that are joined when the belt 10C is buckled inaccordance with known operation of a belt. The first part 60 a of thebelt buckle portion 60 comprises a two-layer strap having a plurality offasteners 40, preferably snaps, and a buckle 62. The two layers aresecured together at the end proximate the buckle 62. The second part 60b of the belt buckle portion 60 comprises a two-layer strap having aplurality of fasteners 40, preferably snaps, and a plurality ofadjustment holes 64 for engaging the buckle 62 during intended use ofthe belt 10C. The two layers are secured together at the end comprisingthe plurality of adjustment holes 64.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the snaps 40 used on each part 60 a and60 b of the belt buckle portion 60 comprise, in accordance with wellknown snap designs, a female portion 40 a attached to one layer of eachbuckle portion part 60 a and 60 b and a male portion 40 b attached tothe other layer of each buckle portion part 60 a and 60 b. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 13-14, the ends of the accent strap portion 30C for thebelt 10C include a plurality of holes 66 for engaging the male portions40 b of the snaps 40 on the buckle portion 60 of the belt 10C. Once theaccent strap portion 30C is positioned, as illustrated in FIG. 13, thesnaps 40 can be fastened to form the belt 10C. By using a plurality ofsnaps 40 on each side, twisting movement of the accent strap portion 30Cupward and downward relative to the belt buckle portion 60 is prevented.As so designed, the golfer can attach and remove the accent strapportion 30C to and from the buckle portion 60 of the belt 10C asdesired. Moreover, the golfer can replace the accent strap portion 30Cwith another accent strap portion where it is desirable to do so inorder to match the belt 10C with the golfer's outfit and other accentedaccessories. Though snaps 40 are illustrated, any type of fastener knownin the art may be used to attach the accent strap portion to the buckleportion of the belt, including buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and thelike, without departing from the spirit and principles of the presentinvention.

In accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention, theaccent strap portion 30C may also be adjustable, allowing the golfer toadjust the size of the belt 10C without affecting the aestheticappearance of the belt buckle portion 60. For example, one or more legratchets can be provided on the accent strap portion 30C to allow theuser to adjust and set the length of the strap portion 30C, as needed.Alternatively, the accent strap portion 30C can be provided with extraholes 66, as illustrated in FIG. 14, so that the size of the belt 10Ccan be adjusted by means in addition to the traditional buckle 62 andstrap approach normally associated with the function of a belt 10C. Asso designed, the size of the accent strap portion 30C can be adjustedbased on which holes 66 engage the snaps 40 of the buckle portion 60 ofthe belt 10C.

In a preferred embodiment, the belt buckle portion 60 is made of aneutral fabric material, such as leather, since the belt buckle portion60 is not intended to change from use to use, outfit to outfit, whereasthe accent strap portion 30C is designed to change so that the golfercan match and coordinate the belt 10C with each golf outfit as desired.The golfer may own multiple belt buckle portions 60 in different basecolors and textures to permit more flexibility in coordinating the belt10C with a variety of golf outfits and accent groups 20. For example,separate belt buckle portions 60 may be black, brown and white.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece 30 comprises golf shoes 10D, wherein thereplaceable accent piece 30 comprises at least one of shoe laces orkilties. As shown in FIG. 15, a golf shoe 10D having a removable accentkiltie 30D is shown. The illustrated accent kiltie 30D comprises aswatch of fabric, preferably decorative leather or ribbon that matchesthe other accent pieces in the common accent group 20. Alternatively,the kiltie 30D can be a neutral color that coordinates with multipleaccent groups, similar to the belt buckle portion 60 of the belt 10Cdescribed above. Each kiltie 30D includes two holes 70 for receiving thelaces 72 of a golf shoe 10D. When the laces 72 are tied, the kiltie 30Dlies across the instep of the shoe 10D to accent and decorate the frontof the shoe 10D.

In alternate embodiment of the present invention, the laces 72 can actas an accent piece 30 for an accent group 20, where the laces 72 areprovided in a decorative color or pattern that matches or complementsthe other accent pieces in the common accent group 20. The golfer canchange out the laces 72 of the golf shoes 10D prior to a round of golfso as to coordinate the laces 72 with the golfer's outfit. Decorativelaces 72 can also be used in combination with a decorative kiltie 30Dfor accenting golf shoes.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf bag 10E, or other equipmentstorage bags 10G, such as a tote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe bags,wherein the replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a decorative and/orruffled swatch, strip or band of fabric attached around an opening ofthe bag by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loopfasteners, zippers, and the like, or a carrying strap (or a portionthereof) for the bag attached to the bag by fastener means 40, such assnaps, buttons, clasps, carabiners, buckles, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 16, a golf bag 10E having a first removable accentcarrying strap 30E₁ attached to the bag 10E is shown. A second removableaccent carrying strap 30E₂ is also shown, separate from the bag 10E.Each illustrated accent carrying strap 30E₁ and 30E₂ comprises a stripof fabric, preferably a decorative ribbon that matches the other accentpieces in a common accent group 20. In accordance with the presentinvention, the first accent carrying strap 30E₁ can be removed from thebag 10E and replaced by the second accent carrying strap 30E₂ asdesired, such as when the second accent carrying strap 30E₂ matches orcomplements a golfer's outfit for a round of golf better than the firstaccent carrying strap 30E₁.

The accent carrying strap 30E can form the entire carrying strap for thegolf bag 10E or a portion of the preexisting carrying strap for the golfbag 10E. In the former situation, the accent carrying strap 30E can beattached to the golf bag 10E by common fastening means, such as clasps40 adapted to engage loops or rings provided on the golf bag 10E. In thelatter situation, the accent piece 30 comprises a strip of fabricattached to the preexisting carrying strap by fasteners 40, such assnaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like.

Similar accent straps can be used with other types of equipment storagebags, such as tote bags, duffel bags, and golf shoe bags. Referring toFIG. 17, a tote bag 10G having a set of removable accent straps 30G isshown. As illustrated, a first set of accent straps 30G₁ from a firstaccent group 20 ₁ is shown attached to the tote bag 10G, and a secondset of accent straps 30G₂ from a second accent group 20 ₂ is shownloose. In accordance with the present invention, the first set of accentstraps 30G₁ can be removed from the tote bag 10G and replaced by thesecond set of accent straps 30G₂ as desired, such as when the second setof accent straps 30G₂ matches or complements a golfer's outfit for around of golf better than the first set of accent straps 30G₁.

The illustrated accent straps 30G₁ and 30G₂ comprise strips of fabricthat match other accent pieces in a common accent group 20. The accentstraps 30G₁ and 30G₂ include clasps 40 on each end that engage grommetopenings 80 provided in the tote bag 10G. When the golfer iscoordinating her accessories to her golf outfit, she can change out theaccent straps 30G for her tote bag 10G when carrying equipment to andfrom the golf course.

Though the accent pieces 30 in FIGS. 16 and 17 are shown as being usedwith or as the carrying strap of a bag, an accent piece 30 may also beused to provide a decorative feature around the opening of a bag, be ita golf bag 10E, or another form of equipment storage bag 10G. Referringto FIGS. 18-19, a golf shoe storage bag 10G is shown with a decorativeaccent trim piece 30G around an opening 82 of the bag 10G. Thedecorative accent trim piece 30G includes a hook-and-loop strip 40 awith a complementary strip 40 b being included around the opening 82 ofthe bag 10G. Thus, the golfer can attach and remove the accent trimpiece 30G to and from the bag 10G as desired. Moreover, the golfer canreplace the accent trim piece 30G with another accent trim piece whereit is desirable to do so in order to match the bag 10G with the golfer'soutfit. Though hook-and-loop fastener means 40 a and 40 b areillustrated, any type of fastener known in the art may be used to attachthe accent trim piece 30G to the opening 82 of the bag 10G, includingsnaps, buttons, a zipper, and the like, without departing from thespirit and principles of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golfaccessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using areplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf towel 10F, wherein thereplaceable accent piece 30 comprises a strap 30F connected between thetowel 10F and a golf bag 10E, wherein the strap 30F may be attached tothe golf towel 10F and or the golf bag 10E by fastener means 40, such assnaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, clasps, carabiners, buckles,and the like, and may additionally or alternatively be design to belooped around a ring provided on the golf towel 10F and/or the golf bag10E and connect to itself by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons,hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, and the like. Referring to FIG. 20, agolf towel 10F is provided with a grommet opening 90 in a cornerthereof. An accent strap 30F for use with the towel 10F comprises astrip of fabric looped around a clasp 40 on one end, and adapted for theother end to be looped around a ring provided on a golf bag 10E forattaching the towel 10F to the golf bag 10E.

FIG. 20 shows a first accent strap 30F₁ attached to the towel 10F by theclasp 40 and a second loose accent strap 30F₂ that can replace the firstaccent strap 30F₁ if the user so desires. The end looped around the ringon the golf bag 10E can be secured by one of a number of known fastenersmeans 40′, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, andthe like. As shown in FIG. 20, snaps 40′ are used to secure this end ofthe accent strap 30F in place. Thus, the golfer can attach the accentstrap 30F to the golf towel before a round of golf. The next time agolfer wants to use the towel 10F for a round of golf, the golfer caneasily remove the first accent strap 30F₁, and replace it with anotheraccent strap that more closely matches and coordinates with the golfer'snew outfit (e.g., the second accent strap 30F₂).

Since the accent strap 30F is removably attached to the towel 10F, itcan easily be removed so that the towel 10F can be cleaned after a roundof golf. Additionally, though a clasp 40 is illustrated for attachingthe accent piece 30F to the towel 10F, any type of fastener known in theart may be used to attach the accent strap to the towel, includingsnaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, carabiners, buckles, and thelike, without departing from the spirit and principles of the presentinvention.

Each accent group 20 can be supplied in a bag with a coordinated design.The bag can also function as a storage bag for the golfer's golf shoes,such as the golf shoe storage bag 10G illustrated in FIGS. 18-19.

Thought the present invention is illustrated and described with respectto certain golf accessories 10, such as a golf visor or cap 10A, a golfglove 10B, a belt 10C, golf shoes 10D, a golf towel 10F and equipmentstorage bags 10E and 10G, it may further be used to accent andcoordinate additional golf accessories, including jackets, golf clubcovers, umbrellas, and the like.

In accordance with the present invention, a golfer has control overwhich accent pieces 30 are changed out, and thus can be selective as tohow her golf accessories 10 are coordinated. In this manner, the golfercan cross-coordinate accent pieces 30 from multiple accent groups 20based on color, pattern, style, texture and the like so thatcomplementary accent pieces 30 from two or more accent groups 20 can beused in various combinations to accent a golfer's equipment and outfit.For example, the golfer's belt 10C and golf shoes 10D can use accentpieces 30 from a first accent group (e.g., the accent group 20 ₁illustrated in FIG. 2), while her visor 10A and golf glove 10B useaccent pieces 30 from a second accent group (e.g., the accent group 20 ₂illustrated in FIG. 3), where the two accent groups may, for example,use complementary patterns sharing a common base color. Additionally,the golfer's towel 10F and golf bag 10E can use accent pieces 30 from athird accent group, perhaps in a solid color that matches or complementsthe coloring of the first and second accent groups.

Even though the present invention is generally described herein withrespect to a female golfer, it is equally applicable to male golfers andchildren who wish to accent and coordinate their golf ensembles.Additionally, the present invention also has applicability beyond golfaccessories, and may be used to accent and coordinate accessories ofnon-golfers, such as hats, belts, bags, shoes, and the like, withoutdeparting from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the formdiscussed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above disclosure. The embodiments described were chosen to bestillustrate the principles of the invention and practical applicationthereof to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize theinvention in various embodiments and with various modification as suitedto the particular use contemplated.

1. An accessory accenting system comprising: an accent group comprisingtwo or more replaceable accent pieces having a common design scheme,wherein each accent piece is adapted for use with a respectiveaccessory.
 2. The accessory accenting system of claim 1, wherein each ofsaid accent pieces is removably attachable to its respective accessoryby fastening means.
 3. The accessory accenting system of claim 2,wherein each accent piece is adapted for use with one of a hat, a glove,a belt, a pair of shoes, a towel, or an equipment storage bag.
 4. Theaccessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a hatand the associated accent piece comprises a strip of fabric attachableto at least one of the hat's bill, crown or closure system.
 5. Theaccessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a gloveand the associated accent piece comprises a decorative trim pieceattachable around a wrist opening of the glove.
 6. The accessoryaccenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a belt comprisinga belt buckle portion and an accent strap portion, said belt buckleportion comprises a first portion and a second portion adapted to engageone another via a belt buckle, and wherein the associated accent piececomprises the accent strap portion and has a first end removablyattachable to the first portion of the belt buckle portion and a secondend removably attachable to the second portion of the belt buckleportion.
 7. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein theaccessory is a pair of shoes and the associated accent piece comprises akiltie for each shoe attached to said show via laces.
 8. The accessoryaccenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a pair of shoesand the associated accent piece comprises a lace for each shoe.
 9. Theaccessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a toweland the associated accent piece comprises an accent strap attached tothe towel.
 10. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein theaccessory is a bag comprising at least one of a golf bag, a golf shoestorage bag, a tote bag, and a duffel bag, and the associated accentpiece comprises a carrying strap removably attachable to said bag. 11.The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is abag comprising at least one of a golf bag, a golf shoe storage bag, atote bag, and a duffel bag, and the associated accent piece comprises atrim piece removably attachable around an opening of said bag.
 12. Theaccessory accenting system of claim 2, comprising a first accent groupincluding accent pieces sharing a common design scheme for use with atleast a golf hat, a golf glove, a belt and a pair of golf shoes.
 13. Theaccessory accenting system of claim 12, comprising a second accent groupincluding accent pieces sharing a common design scheme that differs fromthe design scheme of the first accent group, wherein the accent piecesof the second accent group are for use with at least the golf hat, thegolf glove and the belt with which the accent pieces of the first accentgroup are designed for use with.
 14. The accessory accenting system ofclaim 2 comprising two or more accent groups, wherein each accent groupshares a common design scheme, and wherein further, the design schemesof each accent group differ from one another in at least color, pattern,style or texture.
 15. The accessory accenting system of claim 14,wherein accent pieces from separate accent groups may be coordinated foruse with respective accessories in a common ensemble.
 16. A golfaccessory accenting system comprising: at least one accent groupcomprising two or more replaceable accent pieces, wherein each accentpiece is removably attachable to a respective golf accessory selectedfrom the group consisting of a hat, a golf glove, a belt, a pair of golfshoes, a golf towel, and an equipment storage bag.
 17. The golfaccessory accenting system of claim 16, wherein each of said accentpieces is removably attachable to its respective accessory by fasteningmeans.
 18. The accessory accenting system of claim 16 comprising two ormore accent groups, wherein each accent group shares a common designscheme, and wherein further, the design schemes of each accent groupdiffer from one another in at least color, pattern, style or texture.19. The accessory accenting system of claim 18, wherein accent piecesfrom separate accent groups may be coordinated for use with respectiveaccessories in a common ensemble.
 20. A golf accessory accenting systemcomprising: a first accent group comprising two or more replaceableaccent pieces having a common design scheme, wherein each accent pieceis adapted for use with a respective accessory, including at least oneof a golf hat, a golf glove, a belt, a pair of golf shoes, a golf towel,or a golf equipment storage bag; and a second accent group comprisingtwo or more replaceable accent pieces having a common design scheme thatdiffers from the design scheme of the first accent group, wherein eachaccent piece is adapted for use with a respective accessory, includingat least one of a golf hat, a golf glove, a belt, a pair of golf shoes,a golf towel, or a golf equipment storage bag.